FLORHAM PARK, NJ – Former Raiders WR/KR Jacoby Ford made an impressive sign with the New York Jets on Tuesday. Terms of the deal have yet to be announced.

Ford, 26, missed the entire 2012 season with a LisFranc injury that essentially limited him this past season. This past 2013 season, he only came up with 13 catches for 99 yards in 14 games.

Ford was a 4th round pick in 2010. Throughout his four years, he has 57 receptions and three touchdowns.

– More to come

Twitter.com/tonycarterNFL

anthony.carter@gmx.com

]]>ox281254232713796578acarter99APSanchez released by the Jets. Signed QB Michael Vickhttps://jetsstream.wordpress.com/2014/03/21/sanchez-released-by-the-jets-signed-qb-michael-vick/
Fri, 21 Mar 2014 23:46:07 +0000http://jetsstream.com/?p=816Continue reading →]]> EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – After a long five year commitment, the Jets have announced that they have cut QB Mark Sanchez.

It was reported all along that the Jets were going to cut Sanchez for a few reasons. To free up cap space and the team just wanted to move on from him. Sanchez was due a $2M roster bonus on Tuesday and with this cut, the team saved up about $8M in cap space.

Head coach, Rex Ryan stated on ESPN radio earlier today that there is a possibility that Sanchez would stay, Rex of course, hinted the response.

“That could happen, there’s no doubt. Rex said on ESPN Radio. Mark is still on this football team right now so it’s still a possibility.”

After the release, Rex said that he wishes Sanchez all of the best and appreciates the wellness that he has done for him and the team.

“I’d like to thank Mark for everything he’s done for this team and me personally,” Rex Ryan said via Jets team website. “We were rookies together and had some early success, becoming the first rookie head coach and quarterback to go to back-to-back championship games. We experienced a lot together and I really appreciate Mark. He’s a great player, a great teammate, and I wish him nothing but the best.”

Mark Sanchez is known for his past-post season success. He led the New York Jets to two back to back AFC championship games during his first two seasons as a Jet. (2009 & 2010) Sanchez ended his time with the Jets with a 4-2 playoff record.

Per source, Sanchez is probably the most top QB in the free agent market as of now. There are few teams that are considering signing Sanchez like the Cleveland Browns for an example.

At one of the Senior Bowl practices months ago, a head coach told a reporter that Sanchez would immediately start for him.

“We would take Sanchez.” A head coach told a reporter at Senior Day. “He would immediately be the starter for us.”

Sanchez lost his starting job this season after being placed on IR with a torn librium in his left shoulder. It happened during the third preseason game against the New York Giants.

As a starter for the Jets, Mark Sanchez was 33-29, had 12,092 passing yards, 68 touchdowns and 69 interceptions.

With the Sanchez releasing out of the way, the Jets quickly signed former Eagles QB Michael Vick.

Per multiple sources, the Jets signed Vick to a 1yr $5M deal.

Vick was an immediate target for New York all along and with this signing, it gives him a chance to aid a young Geno Smith.

“It means a lot to have the chance to come in and play for a great organization that had a lot of success last year and being on the brink of doing some good things,” Vick said on the team’s website. “Maybe I can come here and be an asset whenever my number’s called. I’m excited, I’m elated, and I feel like this is a great opportunity for me and my family.”

Vick also reunites with OC Marty Morhinweg (OC for the Jets) who was his offensive coordinator back in Philadelphia.

“He’s here in a role where he’s going to compete and push Geno Smith to become the very best that he can be,” Mornhinweg said in a press release. “Michael will be able to go in and play at a high level and a winning level if called upon.”

With Vick being signed on the team, it will test QB Geno’s Smith mental toughness which is needed to succeed in the NFL.

PHILADELPHIA, PA – Former New York Jets QB, Greg McElroy announced an unexpected retirement from the NFL today.

McElroy, 25, was drafted by the Jets in the 2011 and scarcely started for the Jets throughout his 3 seasons with the team. He was released by the Jets during the 2013 season for QB Matt Simms and was acquired by the Bengals. However, he was assigned to Cincinnati’s practice squad.

“Playing in the NFL was a lifelong dream.” McElroy announced on Twitter. “I must thank the New York Jets for providing me with my original opportunity.”

One of McElroy’s highlights was replacing Mark Sanchez who was struggling against the Chargers, against to pull off a 7-6 comeback victory.

McElroy is also known for leading Alabama to a national championship, prior to him being drafted.

“The future is bright, and exciting things are on the horizon! God bless to all.” McElroy said in his final statement on Twitter.

Per a source, Simms may pursue a career in politics as he always had an aspiration to.

NEWARK, NJ – Jets announced late last night that they have agreed on a 5 year deal for former Broncos WR, Eric Decker.

Decker flew into Newark, late on Tuesday to meet with John Idzik and company to discuss contract negotiations. The following day, head coach Rex Ryan and other Jets players were reportedly having dinner with Decker to talk about a deal.

The deal for Decker includes 5 years, worth $36.25M with $15M guaranteed.

It was a big step up for the Jets to acquire Decker, knowing the fact that he was labeled as one of the top prospects in free agency. Last season, Decker had 87 catches, 1,288 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns with Denver.

Not to mention, the Jets released Santonio Holmes earlier this week, which freed up cap space and a slot for another wide receiver.

Decker will provide QB Geno Smith more options to throw to, other than WR Jeremy Kerley who is basically the Jets’ number one receiver.

And like that, Santonio Holmes’ time with the Jets is over, at least for now.

Monday afternoon the Jets made it official when they announced that Holmes has been released, saving the team more than $8 million in the 2014 salary cap.

After his breakout season in 2009 the Steelers traded Holmes to the Jets following some off the field issues. He would eventually sign a five-year, $45 million deal with the Jets but he just never seemed to live up to the hype of that one season.

“I appreciate Tone’s contributions over the last four seasons,” Jets coach Rex Ryan said in a statement. “I’ve always admired his knack for making the clutch play. He’s a tremendous competitor who wants the ball in his hands when the game is on the line. I wish him nothing but the best.”

At the age of 30 and after years of injury plagued seasons, Holmes will most likely need to take a substantial pay cut in order to play in the NFL again. With the right team, he might be able to still produce at a worthwhile level, but chances are he falls into a rotation somewhere.

NEW YORK, NY – After a long 4 year run, CB Antonio Cromartie was informed by the Jets that he got released by the Jets.

Antonio Cromartie was expected to earn a $5M roster bonus shortly after the season. Not to mention, Cro would have a staggering $15M cap charge, which forced the Jets to release him. Since Cro was released today, he can still return to the team at a cheaper price. But the Jets want to move in a new direction as far as another cornerback according to a source.

On Saturday, It was reported that the Jets are eyeing Titants CB Alterraun Verner if he hits free agency. That could have been one of the reasons why the Jets moved on from Cro.

Cromartie informed the media and the fans on Twitter, expressing his gratitude.

“I would like to thank the Jets organization so much with helping me grow as a leader and a player.” Cromartie said on Twitter. “Thank you for all of the support through my four year career with you (Jets). It’s time for a new chapter in my life.”

Head coach, Rex Ryan addressed the move via a team press release.

“Cro is one of the finest athletes I have ever coached.” Rex said in a release. “He has a passion and has enthusiasm for the game and I wish him the best.”

Months ago, Idzik told the press at the final conference of the year, that they would have enough money to go after free agents. With cutting Cromartie, they save about $9.5M.

Over the past four years with the Jets, Cro has only missed one game, 142 tackles, 15INts, and two forced fumbles.

Throughout the weeks of negotiating, Jets have agreed on a three year deal for TE Jeff Cumberland.

Cumberland gets $3.7M with $1M guaranteed, without incentives.

The NYDN reported earlier this week that the team is in “serious negotiations” with Cumberland and that they wanted to retain him before free agency starts next week. Not to mention, March 8th is when the NFL’s legal tampering/negotiating begins. The legal tampering/negotiating period is when teams can talk about a deal with an unrestricted free agent, but they cannot come to terms, which is why it was very important for the Jets to close the deal on Friday night.

Weeks ago, the Jets had some discussions about bringing in Saints’ TE Jimmy Graham if he hit the open market. As expected, the Saints eventually put a franchise tag on Graham that essentially kept him off the free agency wire. With Graham being tagged, it opened up many doors for Cumberland.

This deal however, doesn’t really keep the Jets from adding another TE on the roster when free agency commences. The team has expressed interest in Lions’ Brandon Pettigrew, Ravens’ Ed Dickson and Bills’ Scott Chandler.

The Cumberland signing may have also lead to conclusions that the Jets will release TE Kellen Winslow. Winslow was involved in several legal cases that came to the point where the Jets have no choice but to cut him.

Last season, Cumberland racked up 26 catches, 398 yards and four touchdowns.

ESPN’s Rich Cimini says there is about a 20-30 percent chance that quarterback Mark Sanchez stays with the Jets for the 2014 season.

The Jets have met with Sanchez’s reps to talk about his future with the team, and while nothing has been agreed upon, Sanchez will be rehabbing in New Jersey this week. This will give the Jets the chance to monitor his surgically-repaired shoulder.

If the Jets wanted to keep Sanchez, I would expect them to ask him to take a pay cut or move on, something that will most likely play a big factor in both sides decision. Another factor in this, is the fact that Sanchez is due a $2 million roster bonus on March 25.

Chances are that Sanchez will be given the chance to move on from the Jets and start over elsewhere.